Process reference
What needs to change on your part?
Start with the edge, the face or the shape. Each points to a different operation—and a different way to check the result.
A cut part is not ready for the next operation
Laser, plasma, oxy-fuel and punch cutting give a part its shape. They do not bring its edge, face and flatness into the condition the next operation requires. Material can remain projecting from the edge, oxide can form on the cut face, slag can attach to thick plate, and heat input can distort the part.
The right starting point is not a machine list but the property of the part that has to change. The seven processes below solve different problems, and none of them replaces another.
Find the condition you need to change
| Condition on the part | Required process | Where to inspect |
|---|---|---|
| Material projecting from the edge | Deburring | Outside contour, hole and slot exits |
| Sharp corner remaining after burr removal | Edge rounding | Upper and lower edges, internal contours |
| Dark oxide layer on the cut face | Laser oxide removal | Vertical cut face, hole walls |
| Hard residue attached below the cut edge | Slag removal | Straight edges, corners, pierce points |
| Inconsistent texture on the visible face | Surface finishing | The visible face defined on the drawing |
| Part distorts when it is released | Roller leveling | Free state or defined supported condition |
| Edge geometry before welding | Beveling | Angle, root face, prepared edge length |
Start with the cutting method
Two parts from the same sheet can need different edge treatment. A small slot, a visible face or the direction in which the burr has formed often decides the route on its own.
- Laser-cut and punched parts: thin to medium thickness, relatively small and consistent burrs, many internal contours.
- Plasma- and oxy-fuel-cut parts: thick plate and heavy slag; handling and support decisions are part of the job.
Processes and TFON machine families
Each process page links to the TFON models that do that work. The table shows the first match together with the published model data used in selection.
| Process | TFON machine family | Published data |
|---|---|---|
| Deburring | TFON Surfacer® TF-RB, TF-RBC, TF-RBF | Maximum material width 1,000 mm (2510 frame) or 1,300 mm (3013 frame) |
| Edge rounding and oxide removal | TFON Surfacer® TF-R, TF-RB | Published conveyor speed 0.6-4.0 m/min |
| Slag removal | TFON Surfacer® TF-RBC | Heavy-deburring station; maximum material weight 500 kg or 600 kg |
| Surface finishing | TFON Surfacer® TF-RF, TF-RBF | Satin-finishing station and edge-rounding station |
| Roller leveling | TFON Leveltech® XS, TF-S, TF-M, TF-L | Material thickness 0.3-30 mm, material width up to 2,000 mm |
| Beveling | TFON Bevel Wizard® TF-C, TF-F | Thickness 4-100 mm, working angle -30° / +80°, part length up to 12,000 mm |
These values show whether a part can pass through a machine. That it can pass does not mean the result will be acceptable. Station layout, consumables, holding system, feeding method and the agreed acceptance criterion complete the selection.
Assess the part and the drawing together
Before choosing a process, define the material and grade, the condition in which the part arrives, and the acceptance criterion of the next operation: welding, painting, coating or assembly. Include photographs of both faces and close-ups of the features that are difficult to reach.
Frequently asked questions
Can one machine perform all of these processes?
A machine can combine several processes in one pass, for example deburring, edge rounding and satin finishing. Not every combination is possible on every part. Which processes can be combined depends on the part geometry and the acceptance criterion.
How do I know which process is needed?
Look at why the part is rejected at the next operation. A problem at the weld points to edge preparation, a paint adhesion problem to oxide or surface cleanliness, and a fit-up problem in assembly to flatness.
How do I verify that a process has been carried out?
Each process page ends with a three-point checklist under Inspection points. Write down the acceptance criterion before processing, then measure against the same criterion afterwards.
Bring the part and the drawing together
Identify the material, the incoming condition and the result required by the next operation. Include photographs of both faces and the features that are difficult to reach.